Nikkormat FTn Lens

[larry davis]

I just picked up a Nikon FTn body (c. 1967). What lenses will work with the

FTn? Will the newer Nikon or Nikor lenses work - like the Series E? Or do I

need to hunt for a lens of the age of the camera? Thanks.

 

Larry

[steve_bellayr]

They take non-AI lenses, which are the older lenses and they sell for less.

[henryp]

There's excellent lens-body info for you at http://www.aiconversions.com/compatibilitytable.htm. You can't use the Series E lenses, because you need the small metal catch which connects to the body index hook so your exposure meter knows the lens' max aperture. What you need is what the site calls a "pin and yoke" connection. <p>-- Henry Posner<br><b>B&H Photo-Video</b>

[Matthew Currie]

If you want the meter to work properly as a full-aperture meter, any pre-AI or AI or AIS lens that has the meter coupling fork will work 100 percent. AI and AIS lenses were almost always equipped with the fork for backward compatibility, but some users may have removed it. If you do not need the full metering capability, you can also use E series lenses (which usually lack the fork, and on which it may be difficult to retrofit owing to the narrow aperture ring), and also any auto-focus lens which has a mechanical aperture ring. A lens or adapter that lacks the meter coupling fork can still be used either meterless, or by stop-down metering.

 

You can also use preset or non-auto aperture lenses, such as mirror lenses, perspective control lenses, and T-mount lenses, either meterless or stop-down metering.

 

The only Nikon mount lenses that just won't work properly are "G" style autofocus lenses that lack a mechanical aperture ring.

[JDMvW]

I have an FTn that is still in service and the above information is right. Looking for non-AI lenses will usually save you money. There are some real classics out there such as the Nikkor-P 105mm f/2.5 lens.

 

So long as it has a prong on it, it will work fine, so even early AI lenses work if they have that.

[patrick j dempsey]

Sadly it didnt come with the original lens, almost every FTn Ive heard about came packaged with the 50mm f/1.4 which is just a legendary lens.

[larry davis]

Thanks for all the good info and advice. Now I can begin my search.